A2 verb #1,000 most common 4 min read

伝える

To tell someone something or to pass on information.

tsutaeru

Explanation at your level:

Hello! Today we learn 伝える (tsutaeru). This word means to tell or to give information. Imagine you have a toy, and you want to show it to your friend. You 伝える (tsutaeru) the toy to your friend. Or, if you know the answer to a question, you 伝える (tsutaeru) the answer. It's like sharing something. You can 伝える (tsutaeru) a message, like 'hello'. It is a simple way to share words or ideas. You use it when you want someone else to know something.

The verb 伝える (tsutaeru) is used when you want to communicate something to another person. It means 'to convey', 'to tell', or 'to inform'. For example, you might 伝える (tsutaeru) your friend that the meeting time has changed. Or, you could 伝える (tsutaeru) your parents that you will be home late. It's a common verb for passing on news or instructions. You can also use it to express feelings, like 気持ちを伝える (kimochi o tsutaeru), which means 'to convey feelings'.

伝える (tsutaeru) is a versatile verb meaning 'to convey', 'to transmit', or 'to tell'. It's used when you need to pass on information, news, messages, or even feelings from one person to another. For example, you might need to 伝える (tsutaeru) important instructions to a colleague, or 伝える (tsutaeru) your gratitude to someone. It can also be used for more abstract concepts, like 教訓を伝える (kyōkun o tsutaeru - to pass on a lesson). Understanding when to use 伝える helps you communicate more effectively in various situations.

In Japanese, 伝える (tsutaeru) signifies the act of transmitting information, messages, or emotions. It's more nuanced than a simple 'to tell', often implying a deliberate act of communication. You might use it to 伝える (tsutaeru) facts, relay a warning, or express sympathy. Consider the difference between simply speaking and actively conveying something. For instance, a teacher 伝える (tsutaeru) knowledge, a doctor 伝える (tsutaeru) a diagnosis, or an artist 伝える (tsutaeru) a message through their work. It's a key verb for understanding interpersonal and public communication.

The verb 伝える (tsutaeru) encompasses a broad spectrum of communicative acts, from the mundane to the profound. It denotes the successful transmission of content, be it factual data, subjective experiences, or cultural values. Beyond mere utterance, it implies that the message has been received and understood, or at least intended for reception. You might use 伝える (tsutaeru) when discussing the dissemination of news, the legacy of traditions, or the communication of complex scientific findings. Its usage can range from personal confessions to official pronouncements, highlighting its fundamental role in the fabric of society.

Mastering 伝える (tsutaeru) involves appreciating its semantic depth and idiomatic richness. It signifies not just the transfer of information but often the successful bridging of understanding between individuals or groups. Historically, it was vital for oral traditions and the transmission of cultural memory. In modern contexts, it applies to everything from digital data transfer to the subtle conveyance of emotional states through non-verbal cues. Consider its use in contexts like 不易流行を伝える (fūryū o tsutaeru - to convey the essence of enduring change and innovation), a concept central to traditional Japanese arts. Understanding these layers unlocks a deeper appreciation of Japanese communication.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • 伝える (tsutaeru) means to convey, tell, or transmit information.
  • It's a versatile verb used for news, feelings, messages, and more.
  • Common collocations include 情報を伝える (convey info) and 気持ちを伝える (convey feelings).
  • Pay attention to the intransitive form 伝わる (tsutawaru) and similar verbs like 教える (oshieru).

Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese verb 伝える (tsutaeru). Think of it as the ultimate messenger verb! It's all about the act of getting information, news, feelings, or even skills from one place to another. Whether you're telling your friend about a cool movie you saw, passing down a family recipe, or a news reporter sharing the latest headlines, 伝える is the word you'll use.

It's a super versatile verb that covers a wide range of communication. You can 伝える something directly, like telling someone the time, or you can 伝える something indirectly, like a tradition passed down through generations. The key idea is the transfer of something from a sender to a receiver. It's fundamental to how we connect and share in all aspects of life, from the most casual chats to the most important announcements.

The verb 伝える (tsutaeru) has deep roots in the Japanese language, evolving from older forms that carried similar meanings. The kanji 伝 itself has a long history, often associated with passing down, transmitting, or traveling. Its original pictographic elements might have depicted a person walking or moving, symbolizing the act of carrying something from one point to another.

Over centuries, 伝える solidified its meaning to specifically encompass the act of communication and transmission. In ancient Japan, where oral traditions were paramount, verbs like 伝える were crucial for preserving history, culture, and knowledge. Think of storytellers, monks, or messengers – they were all agents of 伝える. The evolution of written language and later, modern communication technologies, only expanded the contexts in which this verb is used, but its core meaning of 'to convey' remains steadfast.

伝える is a workhorse verb used in countless everyday situations. You'll hear it when someone wants to relay a message, share news, or express their feelings. For instance, you might 伝える (tsutaeru) your thanks (感謝を伝える - kansha o tsutaeru), 伝える (tsutaeru) your condolences (お悔やみを伝える - okuyami o tsutaeru), or simply 伝える (tsutaeru) a phone number (電話番号を伝える - denwa bangō o tsutaeru).

It's important to note the nuance. While 伝える can mean 'to tell', it often implies a more deliberate act of conveying information rather than just casual speech. It fits well in both formal and informal settings, depending on the context and the accompanying vocabulary. Common collocations include 情報を伝える (jōhō o tsutaeru - to convey information), 気持ちを伝える (kimochi o tsutaeru - to convey feelings), and 事実を伝える (jijitsu o tsutaeru - to convey facts). The register can be adjusted; for more formal situations, you might use 伝達する (dentatsu suru), but 伝える is widely applicable.

While 伝える itself is a straightforward verb, it appears in many idiomatic phrases that add color to the Japanese language. These expressions often go beyond the literal meaning of conveying information.

  • 話を伝える (hanashi o tsutaeru): Literally 'to convey a story', but can also mean to pass on gossip or rumors. Example: 彼はいつも面白い話を伝えてくれる (Kare wa itsumo omoshiroi hanashi o tsutaete kureru) - He always tells me interesting stories.
  • 教えを伝える (oshie o tsutaeru): To pass on teachings or doctrines, often in a religious or philosophical context. Example: 師匠は弟子に秘伝を伝えた (Shishō wa deshi ni hiden o tsutaeta) - The master passed down secret techniques to his disciple.
  • 命を伝える (inochi o tsutaeru): To pass on life, meaning to have children. Example: 子孫に命を伝えることは、多くの文化で重要視される (Shison ni inochi o tsutaeru koto wa, ōku no bunka de jūyōshi sareru) - Passing on life to descendants is valued in many cultures.
  • 火を伝える (hi o tsutaeru): To pass on a flame, often used in ceremonies like the Olympic torch relay. Example: 聖火は無事に次のランナーに伝えられた (Seika wa buji ni tsugi no rannā ni tsutaerareta) - The sacred flame was safely conveyed to the next runner.
  • 悪評を伝える (akuhyō o tsutaeru): To spread a bad reputation or negative rumors. Example: その噂はすぐに町中に伝えられた (Sono uwasa wa sugu ni machijū ni tsutaerareta) - That rumor was quickly spread throughout the town.

伝える is a Group 1 verb (godan dōshi) in Japanese, meaning its stem changes depending on the conjugation. It follows the standard patterns for this verb group. For example, its past tense is 伝えた (tsutaeta), its '-te' form is 伝えて (tsutaete), and its potential form is 伝えられる (tsutaerareru - can convey).

Pronunciation is straightforward: Tsu-ta-e-ru. The stress is relatively even across the syllables, with a slight emphasis on the 'ta' and 'e'. There are no silent letters or complex consonant clusters. When learning, pay attention to the distinct vowel sounds. Rhyming words are less common in Japanese due to its syllable structure, but words ending in '-eru' share a similar sound profile. For instance, 食べる (taberu - to eat) and 寝る (neru - to sleep) have similar endings, though they belong to different verb groups.

Fun Fact

The concept of '伝' is ancient and was crucial for the oral transmission of myths, histories, and skills before widespread literacy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tsu.ta.e.ɾu/

Sounds like 'tsu-tah-eh-roo', with a light 'r' sound similar to the 'dd' in 'ladder'.

US /tsu.tɑ.e.ɾu/

Similar to UK, with the 'a' sound like in 'father'.

Common Errors

  • Pronouncing 'tsu' too harshly.
  • Making the 'r' sound too strong, like an English 'r'.
  • Not clearly articulating the final 'u' sound.

Rhymes With

食べる (taberu) 寝る (neru) 見える (mieru) できる (dekiru) わかる (wakaru) - ends differently but shares rhythm

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Kanji can be challenging, but the verb itself is common.

Writing 2/5

Conjugation is standard, but choosing the right nuance can be tricky.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but using it with the correct nuance requires practice.

Listening 2/5

Commonly heard, but distinguishing from similar verbs requires attention.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

私 (watashi) あなた (anata) 言葉 (kotoba) 話す (hanasu) 聞く (kiku)

Learn Next

伝わる (tsutawaru) 教える (oshieru) 知らせる (shiraseru) 告げる (tsugeru)

Advanced

伝達 (dentatsu) 伝播 (denpa) 伝承 (denshō)

Grammar to Know

Verb Conjugation (Group 1)

伝える -> 伝えた (past tense), 伝えて (te-form)

Transitive vs. Intransitive Verbs

伝える (transitive) vs. 伝わる (intransitive)

Particles: を (o) and に (ni)

メッセージを伝える (convey message), 友達に伝える (convey to friend)

Examples by Level

1

私 は あなた に メッセージ を 伝える。

I / TOPIC / you / MESSAGE / TOPIC / convey.

Particles like は (wa) and を (o) mark the subject and direct object.

2

先生 は 生徒 に 宿題 を 伝えた。

Teacher / TOPIC / student / HOMEWORK / TOPIC / conveyed.

The past tense of 伝える is 伝えた (tsutaeta).

3

これ は 私 の 名前 です。

This / TOPIC / my / NAME / is.

This sentence uses です (desu) for stating a fact, not 伝える.

4

犬 が 吠える。

Dog / TOPIC / barks.

This describes an action, not conveying information.

5

彼 は 友達 に 秘密 を 伝えた。

He / TOPIC / friend / SECRET / TOPIC / conveyed.

秘密 (himitsu) means secret.

6

私 は あなた に ありがとう を 伝える。

I / TOPIC / you / THANK YOU / TOPIC / convey.

ありがとう (arigatou) means thank you.

7

この 本 は 面白い。

This / BOOK / TOPIC / interesting.

This describes the book, not conveying information about it.

8

私 は 家族 に 電話 を 伝える。

I / TOPIC / family / TELEPHONE CALL / TOPIC / convey.

電話 (denwa) means telephone call.

1

部長 に 会議 の 時間 を 伝えてください。

Manager / TOPIC / meeting / TIME / TOPIC / please convey.

The てください (te kudasai) form is used for polite requests.

2

彼 は 彼女 に 愛 を 伝えた。

He / TOPIC / her / LOVE / TOPIC / conveyed.

愛 (ai) means love.

3

この ニュース は 世界中 に 伝えられました。

This / NEWS / TOPIC / world-wide / TOPIC / was conveyed. (passive)

The passive form 伝えられました (tsutaeraremashita) is used when the subject receives the action.

4

祖母 は 私 に 昔話 を 伝えてくれた。

Grandmother / TOPIC / me / OLD STORY / TOPIC / conveyed (for me).

くれた (kureta) indicates the action was done for the speaker's benefit.

5

その 計画 について、 皆 に 伝える 必要 が あります。

That / PLAN / about / everyone / TOPIC / convey / NECESSITY / exists.

必要がある (hitsuyō ga aru) means 'there is a need to'.

6

駅員 が 電車 の 遅延 を 伝えていた。

Station staff / TOPIC / train / DELAY / TOPIC / was conveying.

遅延 (chien) means delay.

7

彼 の 意見 を 私 に 伝えてくれ。

His / OPINION / TOPIC / me / TOPIC / please convey (informal).

くれ (kure) is an informal request form.

8

この 技術 は 次世代 に 伝えられる べきだ。

This / TECHNOLOGY / TOPIC / next generation / TOPIC / will be conveyed / SHOULD.

べきだ (beki da) expresses obligation or 'should'.

1

会議 の 結果 を 関係者 に 伝える 任務 を 負いました。

Meeting / RESULT / TOPIC / related parties / TOPIC / convey / TASK / TOPIC / took on.

任務を負う (ninmu o ou) means to take on a mission or duty.

2

彼の 感謝 の 気持ち は、その 手紙 を 通して 伝わった。

His / GRATITUDE / FEELING / TOPIC / that / LETTER / through / was conveyed.

伝わった (tsutawatta) is the intransitive form, meaning 'was conveyed' or 'got across'.

3

伝統 文化 を 次の 世代 へ 伝える ことは 重要です。

Traditional / CULTURE / TOPIC / next / GENERATION / towards / convey / doing / TOPIC / important is.

こと (koto) nominalizes the preceding clause, making 'conveying traditional culture' the subject.

4

その 事故 の 原因 について、 正確な 情報 を 伝える 必要 が ある。

That / ACCIDENT / CAUSE / about / accurate / INFORMATION / TOPIC / convey / NECESSITY / exists.

情報 (jōhō) means information.

5

彼女 は 複雑な 感情 を 言葉 で 伝える のが 得意だ。

She / TOPIC / complex / EMOTIONS / WORDS / with / convey / doing / good at is.

得意だ (tokui da) means to be good at something.

6

この 薬 の 効果 を 医師 に 伝える べきです。

This / MEDICINE / EFFECT / TOPIC / doctor / TOPIC / convey / SHOULD.

べきです (beki desu) is the polite form of 'should'.

7

彼の 熱意 は、 会場 の 全員 に 伝わった と 思う。

His / ENTHUSIASM / TOPIC / venue / ALL PEOPLE / TOPIC / was conveyed / THINK.

熱意 (netsui) means enthusiasm or passion.

8

この 映画 は、 社会 問題 について 多く を 伝えて いる。

This / MOVIE / TOPIC / social issues / about / much / TOPIC / is conveying.

社会問題 (shakai mondai) means social issues.

1

その 変化 は、 経営陣 から 各部 の リーダー へ 段階的に 伝えられた。

That / CHANGE / TOPIC / management / from / each department / 's / leaders / towards / step-by-step / was conveyed.

段階的に (dankai-teki ni) means 'step-by-step' or 'gradually'.

2

彼の スピーチ は、 聞き手 の 心 に 深く 響き、 強い 感銘 を 伝えた。

His / SPEECH / TOPIC / listeners / 's / hearts / inside / deeply / resonated, / strong / IMPRESSION / TOPIC / conveyed.

感銘 (kanmei) means impression or being moved.

3

この 古典文学 作品 は、 時代 を 超えて 人間 の 普遍的な 感情 を 伝え続けている。

This / CLASSICAL LITERATURE / WORK / TOPIC / eras / beyond / human / UNIVERSAL / EMOTIONS / TOPIC / continue to convey.

普遍的な (fuhen-teki na) means universal.

4

政府 は、 国民 に対して 経済 状況 の 改善 策 を 丁寧に 伝えよう としている。

Government / TOPIC / citizens / towards / economic / SITUATION / 's / improvement measures / TOPIC / carefully / trying to convey.

改善策 (kaizen-saku) means improvement measures or countermeasures.

5

アーティスト は、 作品 を 通して 現代社会 の 矛盾 や 葛藤 を 巧み に 伝えている。

Artist / TOPIC / work / through / modern society / 's / contradictions / and / conflicts / skillfully / skillfully conveying.

矛盾 (mujun) means contradiction, 葛藤 (kattō) means conflict.

6

その 科学者 は、 複雑な 理論 を 一般人 にも 分かるように 伝えようと 努力した。

That / SCIENTIST / TOPIC / complex / THEORY / ordinary people / even / understandable / so that / trying to convey / made effort.

努力した (doryoku shita) means 'made an effort'.

7

歴史 家 は、 過去 の 出来事 を 正確に 次世代 へ 伝える 責任 が ある。

Historian / TOPIC / past / EVENTS / TOPIC / accurately / next generation / towards / convey / RESPONSIBILITY / exists.

責任がある (sekinin ga aru) means 'to have a responsibility'.

8

彼の 音楽 は 言葉 を 超えた 情緒 を 聴衆 に 伝える 力 を 持っている。

His / MUSIC / TOPIC / words / beyond / EMOTION / audience / TOPIC / convey / POWER / possesses.

情緒 (jōcho) means emotion or sentiment.

1

その 哲学者 は、 難解な 思想 を 比喩 や 例え話 を 用いて 民衆 に 伝えようと 試みた。

That / PHILOSOPHER / TOPIC / difficult-to-understand / THOUGHTS / metaphor / and / allegories / using / populace / towards / trying to convey / attempted.

難解な (nankai na) means difficult to understand; 試みた (kokoromita) means attempted.

2

この 記録 映像 は、 戦争 の 悲惨さ と 平和 の 尊さを 静かに 伝えている。

This / RECORDING / FOOTAGE / TOPIC / war / 's / horror / and / peace / 's / preciousness / quietly / is conveying.

悲惨さ (hisan-sa) means horror or misery; 尊さ (tōto-sa) means preciousness or dignity.

3

文化 遺産 を 保護し、 次世代 へ 正確に 伝える こと は、 我々 の 責務 である。

Cultural / HERITAGE / TOPIC / protect / and / next generation / towards / accurately / convey / doing / TOPIC / our / duty / is.

責務 (sekimu) is a formal term for duty or obligation.

4

作家 は、 文学作品 を 通して 人間心理 の 奥深い 洞察 を 読者 に 伝えようと 努める。

Writer / TOPIC / literary works / through / human psychology / 's / deep / INSIGHT / reader / TOPIC / trying to convey / strives.

洞察 (dōsatsu) means insight; 努める (tsutomeru) means to strive or endeavor.

5

その 指導者 は、 カリスマ性 を 持って 民衆 の 心 を 掴み、 理想 を 伝えた。

That / LEADER / TOPIC / charisma / possess / populace / 's / hearts / grasped, / IDEAL / TOPIC / conveyed.

カリスマ性 (karisuma sei) means charisma; 掴み (tsukami) is the stem form of 掴む (tsukamu - to grasp).

6

現代アート は、 時に 抽象的 すぎて、 その メッセージ を 受け手 に 伝える のに 苦労 する 場合 が ある。

Contemporary art / TOPIC / sometimes / abstract / too much / that / MESSAGE / receiver / TOPIC / convey / in order to / struggle / cases / exist.

受け手 (uketé) means receiver; 苦労する (kurō suru) means to struggle.

7

彼は、 自身の 経験 を 語る こと で、 若者たち に 希望 を 伝えようと した。

He / TOPIC / his own / EXPERIENCE / speaking / doing / by / young people / TOPIC / hope / trying to convey / did.

希望 (kibō) means hope.

8

この 音楽 は、 言語の壁 を 超えて 人々 の 心 に 直接 訴えかける 感情 を 伝えている。

This / MUSIC / TOPIC / language / 's / barrier / overcome / people / 's / hearts / inside / directly / appeals / EMOTION / is conveying.

訴えかける (uttae-kakeru) means to appeal to or move someone emotionally.

1

その 演出家 は、 舞台芸術 の 本質 を 観客 に 伝える ため、 前衛的な 手法 を 駆使した。

That / DIRECTOR / TOPIC / stage art / 's / essence / audience / TOPIC / convey / in order to / avant-garde / METHODS / utilized.

駆使した (kushi shita) means to make full use of or employ skillfully.

2

彼の 文体 は、 古典的な 響き を 保ちつつ、 現代的な 感性 を 巧みに 伝えている。

His / WRITING STYLE / TOPIC / classical / resonance / maintain / while / modern / SENSIBILITY / skillfully / is conveying.

感性 (kansei) means sensibility or sensitivity.

3

この 民族 音楽 は、 千年 にわたる 祖先 の 知恵 と 経験 を 凝縮して 現代 に 伝えている。

This / ETHNIC MUSIC / TOPIC / thousand years / spanning / ancestors / 's / wisdom / and / experience / condensed / present / INTO / is conveying.

凝縮して (gyōshuku shite) means by condensing or concentrating.

4

情報伝達 の 効率性 が 追求される 現代社会 において、 真実 を 正確に 伝える こと の 困難さ が 増している。

Information transmission / 's / efficiency / pursued / modern society / in / truth / accurately / convey / doing / 's / difficulty / is increasing.

情報伝達 (jōhō dentatsu) is a formal term for information transmission.

5

その 詩人 は、 言葉 の 響き や リズム を 重視し、 感情 の 微妙な ニュアンス を 読者 に 伝えようと した。

That / POET / TOPIC / words / 's / sound / and / rhythm / importance / placed, / emotion / 's / subtle / NUANCES / reader / TOPIC / trying to convey / did.

ニュアンス (nyuansu) is a loanword for nuance.

6

彼は、 自身の 芸術 を 通して、 人間存在 の 根源的な 孤独感 を 表現し、 観客 に 共有 させようとした。

He / TOPIC / his own / ART / through / human existence / 's / fundamental / LONELINESS / express / audience / TOPIC / share / tried to make them.

根源的な (kongen-teki na) means fundamental or primordial; 共有させる (kyōyū saseru) means to make someone share.

7

この 歴史 的 文書 は、 当時 の 社会情勢 や 人々 の 価値観 を 生々しく 伝えている。

This / HISTORICAL / DOCUMENT / TOPIC / that time / 's / social conditions / and / people / 's / values / vividly / is conveying.

生々しく (namanamashiku) means vividly or raw.

8

その 批評家 は、 作品 の 表層的な 魅力 の 奥 に ある 深遠な テーマ を 読み解き、 読者 に 伝えようと 努めた。

That / CRITIC / TOPIC / work / 's / superficial / appeal / 's / depth / inside / existing / profound / THEME / deciphered, / reader / TOPIC / trying to convey / strove.

深遠な (shin'en na) means profound; 読み解き (yomitoki) is the stem form of 読み解く (yomitoku - to decipher or interpret).

Common Collocations

情報を伝える (jōhō o tsutaeru)
気持ちを伝える (kimochi o tsutaeru)
感謝を伝える (kansha o tsutaeru)
メッセージを伝える (messēji o tsutaeru)
事実を伝える (jijitsu o tsutaeru)
教訓を伝える (kyōkun o tsutaeru)
経験を伝える (keiken o tsutaeru)
名前を伝える (namae o tsutaeru)
場所を伝える (basho o tsutaeru)
意見を伝える (iken o tsutaeru)

Idioms & Expressions

"話を伝える (hanashi o tsutaeru)"

To pass on a story, news, or sometimes gossip.

彼はいつも面白い話を伝えてくれる友人だ。

neutral

"教えを伝える (oshie o tsutaeru)"

To pass on teachings, lessons, or doctrines.

師匠は弟子に武道の奥義を伝えた。

formal

"命を伝える (inochi o tsutaeru)"

To pass on life; to have children and continue the family line.

子孫に命を伝えることは、多くの文化で重要な使命とされてきた。

formal

"火を伝える (hi o tsutaeru)"

To pass on a flame, often used in ceremonial contexts.

聖火リレーでは、平和の象徴である火が次の走者に伝えられた。

neutral

"悪評を伝える (akuhyō o tsutaeru)"

To spread a bad reputation or negative rumors about someone.

些細な誤解から、彼の悪評が町中に伝えられてしまった。

neutral

"風の噂を伝える (kaze no uwasa o tsutaeru)"

To relay hearsay or unconfirmed rumors.

確かな情報ではないが、風の噂を伝えておこう。

casual

Word Family

Nouns

伝達 (dentatsu) transmission, communication (formal)
伝言 (dengon) verbal message, word
伝承 (denshō) tradition, legend, transmission (of knowledge)

Verbs

伝わる (tsutawaru) to be conveyed, to be transmitted, to be known (intransitive)
伝播する (denpa suru) to spread, propagate (e.g., disease, information)

Related

伝 (den) Kanji component meaning 'transmit', 'convey', 'legend'
通信 (tsūshin) communication, correspondence

How to Use It

Common Mistakes

Using 伝える for simple 'telling' without conveying. 友達に「おはよう」と話した。
For simple greetings or casual speech, 話す (hanasu) or just stating the words is more natural than 伝える, which implies a more deliberate act of communication.
Confusing 伝える (tsutaeru) with 教える (oshieru). 先生が生徒に歴史を教えた。
教える is specifically for teaching knowledge or skills. 伝える is broader, for any kind of information or message.
Using the transitive 伝える when the intransitive 伝わる (tsutawaru) is needed. 彼の気持ちは彼女に伝わった。
伝わる means 'to be conveyed' or 'to get across'. 伝える is 'to convey'. The sentence structure requires the intransitive form here.
Overusing 伝える in very formal situations. 本件につきましては、担当者にご伝達ください。
In highly formal or official contexts, 伝達する (dentatsu suru) might be preferred over 伝える.
Forgetting the particle を (o) with the object being conveyed. 私は彼にメッセージを伝えた。
The thing being conveyed (message, information, feelings) is the direct object and requires the particle を (o).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'tsunami' (津波) of information that you need to 'tell' (伝える) everyone about!

Visual Association

Picture a messenger running with a scroll, actively carrying and delivering a message.

Word Web

Communication Information Message Teach Inform Relay Transmit Storytelling News

Challenge

Try explaining your favorite hobby to someone using the verb 伝える at least three times.

Word Origin

Japanese

Original meaning: The kanji 伝 originally depicted a person walking or moving, symbolizing the act of carrying or transmitting something.

Cultural Context

When conveying sensitive information (e.g., bad news, personal criticism), politeness and careful wording are crucial in Japanese culture, often using indirect phrasing or softening the message.

In English-speaking cultures, conveying information is fundamental to social interaction, education, and media. The nuances of 'telling' versus 'conveying' exist but are often expressed through different verbs or adverbs.

News broadcasts constantly '伝えます' (tsutaemasu) information. The passing down of family traditions is a key cultural aspect where '伝える' is vital.

Test Yourself

fill blank A1

私 は あなた に 大切な ___ を 伝える。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 情報

The sentence asks to convey something important, and 'information' (情報 - jōhō) fits best contextually.

multiple choice A2

Which sentence correctly uses 伝える?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 彼女は彼に感謝を伝えた。(She conveyed her gratitude to him.)

Option 2 correctly uses 伝える to convey feelings (gratitude).

true false B1

伝える can only be used for spoken information.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: False

伝える can be used for written messages, feelings, traditions, and more, not just spoken words.

match pairs B1

Word

Meaning

All matched!

These are common and useful collocations with 伝える.

sentence order B2

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

The correct sentence order is: 母は私に大切なメッセージを伝えた。(Mother conveyed an important message to me.)

fill blank B2

この芸術作品は、作者の深い_____を表現している。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 感情

The sentence talks about artistic expression and deep feelings (感情 - kanjō) is the most appropriate word.

multiple choice C1

Which verb is the most formal equivalent of 伝える in certain contexts?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 伝達する

伝達する (dentatsu suru) is a formal term for transmitting information, often used in business or official settings.

true false C1

The intransitive form of 伝える is 伝わる (tsutawaru).

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: True

伝わる means 'to be conveyed' or 'to get across', and is the intransitive counterpart to the transitive 伝える.

fill blank C2

彼は、自身の経験を語ることで、若者たちに希望を_____。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 伝えた

伝えた (tsutaeta) fits best as it implies conveying hope based on experience, a deeper act than just speaking or teaching.

sentence completion C2

文化遺産を次世代へ正確に_____ことは、我々の責務である。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 伝える

伝える is the most natural fit here for the act of passing down cultural heritage. 伝達する is also possible but 伝える is more common in this phrase.

Score: /10

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